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Juvenile Justice Specialist Career

Career Description

Juvenile Justice Specialists are responsible for providing services in the areas of rehabilitation of juvenile offenders and protection of the public through clinical and case management activities in the areas of juvenile intake, probation, parole and custodial responsibility for delinquent children and their families.

Common Work Tasks

Provide services and supervision to youths in custody or on probation or parole status

Arrange for health screening; recommend and implement placement, including out-of-home placement and community reintegration; visit clients in out-of-home placements and ensure that appropriate services are being provided

Prepare reports for the court, District Attorney’s office and Parole Board; may testify in court as an expert witness; acts as liaison with the court

Serve as liaison to facilities, agencies and schools and participate on community councils and planning boards

Other Job Titles

Juvenile Justice Specialists are also known by other titles, including:

Social Workers

Law Enforcement Officers

Probation Officers

Correctional Treatment Specialists

Education, Training, and Experience

Education and TrainingJuvenile justice specialists must have at least a combination of a bachelor’s degree and related work experience. Some employers prefer a master’s degree and experience in social work, youth services programs, counseling, and corrections. Juvenile justice specialists must also have knowledge of statutes, policies and procedures concerning contracts for Juvenile Services and foster care, as well as a background in law and criminal justice.

Experience
Juvenile justice specialists need the ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion, research and analyze legal information in order to apply appropriate laws and procedures, and good communications skills.